Cultivating Gratitude in the Hearts of Student Performers

Luke 17:18 — “Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Gratitude matters to Jesus. He notices it. He values it. And in a world where students are pulled in a thousand directions—achievement, comparison, pressure, expectation—gratitude is often the very thing that softens their hearts, steadies their spirits, and reminds them that every good gift is from the Lord.

We all know the power of thanksgiving. And we all know how easily it can be overlooked.

Gratitude is not just a nicety; it’s a spiritual discipline. When students learn to give thanks—to God and to others—they develop humility, perspective, and emotional maturity. They begin to see their talents not as entitlements, but as gifts entrusted to them by the Lord.

Remind students regularly: “Your talents are gifts. Gifts deserve stewardship… and gratitude.”

When a student hits a high note, memorizes a monologue, or dances with new confidence, invite them to pause and thank the One who made it possible.

One practical step: Set aside 10–15 minutes. Hand out simple notecards. Encourage students to write to someone who shaped their musical, personal, or spiritual journey.

Prompt them: 

• Who first encouraged you to sing? 

• Who is regularly praying for you and caring for you? 

• Who first showed you the power of storytelling? 

• Who first showed you or told you about Jesus?

Students often walk away surprised by how moving this experience is. 

And while we’re encouraging gratitude in our students, it’s only right that we practice it ourselves. As you lead your choir, cast, or classroom, you’re not just shaping performers. You’re shaping worshipers.

We at Faith Based Student Musicals want to pause now and say:

Thank you. 

Thank you for teaching. 

Thank you for discipling. 

Thank you for investing your gifts—and helping students discover theirs.

We will remember to thank God for you.

For a song that carries this message of Gratitude, we encourage you to check out “I Have a Gift to Give” from Presentation Day: WORD POWER. Here are the opening lyrics…

“Life’s spinning all around me,

Yet it’s just beyond my reach. 

So much I’ll never know and can’t control.

I’m in a crowd of people, yet I’m feeling so alone. 

How can I make a difference on my own?

I want to make a difference on my own. 

I have a gift to give, though nothing’s in my hand.

I will remember when I speak, my words will always land 

in someone’s heart, and ring forever,

like an old familiar song.

May I choose words of love that echo on and on and on.

May I choose words of love that echo on.”